Cypress Gardens

LEGOLAND Florida Proudly Restores A Piece Of Florida History

5 March 2014 by Suzannah Otis 3 Comments

Readers of Zannaland are no doubt aware of my great love of Legoland Florida. I think this is due to the dual nature of the man-made vs. nature that is abundant at Legoland Florida. My children and I truly do enjoy the Legoland side on its own, but also the fact that Legoland has embraced the grounds and the history upon which it made its Florida home – the former Cypress Gardens.

Many who grew up in Central Florida any time before the 1990’s probably visited Cypress Gardens at least once growing up. Over the years, the park had changed quite a bit since its 1936 opening by champion water skier Dick Pope and his wife Julie; these changes being a product of Walt Disney World making Orlando the hub of Florida tourism and leaving the many “old Florida” attractions by the wayside, quite literally. However, what remained the same were the beautiful, well-maintained gardens, native plants and trees which called Cypress Gardens home. The colossal Banyan tree, planted in 1939 became a centerpiece of the gardens, just as much as the Southern Belles who would dot the landscape, smiling and waving to visitors. Two other iconic spots were the Oriental Gardens and the Florida Pool, which until today had been closed off to the public as part of Legoland Florida.

The Florida Pool was first built in 1953 for the film “Easy to Love,” starring Esther Williams, based on a man’s successful water show at Cypress Gardens. Once the film was complete, Dick Pope decided to fill the pool with oranges, have some Belles pose with it, and use it as a promotional photo for Cypress Gardens (see below). Pope was instrumental in building Florida’s tourism back in those days and was an amazing promoter in addition to running the park and choreographing the famous human pyramid water ski shows. His work led to Winter Haven being named the “Water Ski Capital of the World.” (As a side note, when I lived in Ocala, FL – I took swimming lessons with the daughter of Newt Perry. Newt was responsible for teaching Johnny Weismuller [who often worked with Esther Williams] his moves in the Tarzan movies-some filmed at Silver Springs, and for starting the Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction.)

The other area which was reopened today was the Oriental Gardens. Known for its giant golden Buddha statue, the Oriental Gardens were in great disrepair and many of the pathways needed to be restored to be accessible to guests. Legoland has done that and it makes for a perfect area to meander and explore the beautiful plants and water features.

As Bob Gernert, former Winter Haven Chamber Executive Director said at today’s ceremony, “The most exciting thing about this is it makes the gardens whole again. It makes it exactly what it was when Mr. and Mrs. Pope put the concept together so many years ago.” I couldn’t agree more.

Well, I could go on about old Florida all day, but lets get back to present times. Certainly part of why I love Legoland Florida so much and praise it whenever I can, is its commitment to keeping and now restoring the elements which made Cypress Gardens what it was so long ago. Of course they did not have to keep the gardens. They could’ve bulldozed over it and filled the park with easy-to-care-for cement and low-maintenance plants. They could’ve let these areas sit and rot, with nothing remaining but fond memories…like some other old areas we know and love (*cough River Country cough*). But they didn’t. They committed the time, effort and dollars needed to retain this beautiful Florida landmark, and keep up with its care, inspiring new generations to come and experience natural Florida. And for that, they are to be praised and admired.

At every Legoland event I’ve attended for the blog, company officials have always invited and partnered with local Winter Haven and Polk County representatives, fostering this feeling of family and community, which definitely shows when you are in the park. There are Legoland employees who were Cypress Gardens employees, and almost everyone seems to have a relative who was a former Belle, or water skier, or has some story to share about the history of the park and gardens. That is what makes Legoland Florida so very special and why I wish them nothing but success and support from all Florida visitors. Visiting Legoland Florida is completely different than any other typical Orlando vacation, and that’s just wonderful. Many visitors may go for the Legoland side, the rides, the Mini Lands, the water park, which are all fun on their own (I could spend hours in the Mini Lands!). But hopefully once there, they will explore the Cypress Gardens side and see that there is so much more to Florida than rides and attractions, and that it’s okay for both sides to exist in one theme park.

The Florida Pool has been cleaned and the tile restored, with water circulating again. The first step in the process, said Legoland Florida General Manager Adrian Jones, was getting a couple of alligators, who had taken up residence in the pool, out – which was done by putting some wooden boards in so they could get out on their own. The LEGO bricks you see in the pool photos below are just for today, and will be removed and brought back to the water park, where they normally float around the lazy river. I asked Adrian if they had any plans to restore the original tile work and while he agreed that that would be wonderful, they have other areas they are going to focus on within the park first.

Easy to Love poster — “Easy to Love” filmed at Cypress Gardens

The Florida Pool Legoland — The restored Florida Pool – I love the homage with the oranges and replacing them with LEGO bricks for the opening.

Cypress Gardens Southern Belle — The Southern Belles of Cypress Gardens

Cypress Gardens Oriental Gardens — Entry to Oriental Gardens

Now, the canal boat rides may be on your mind as much as they were on mine as “what’s next” for the park…and that may not be too far off. Adrian Jones said that is definitely the next big project, but that it is a multi-million dollar endeavor and will take some time. (I for one would totally be willing to pay an additional cost for a canal boat ride!) For now, the next step is to add little LEGO animals, butterflies and such to the newly reopened areas, and a children’s path as well. I know I can’t wait to take my own children back to Legoland Florida again to enjoy both the Legoland experience and the special, old Florida Cypress Gardens experience.

Cypress Gardens is included with general park admission. The best way to experience LEGOLAND Florida is with the LEGOLAND Florida Resident Annual Pass as low as $99 each. Pass members receive unlimited admission for 12 months to LEGOLAND Florida and free parking. For the most current information on special events, daily operating hours and to purchase tickets, visit LEGOLAND.com.

Turn Tricks into Bricks at LEGOLAND Florida’s 1st Brick or Treat Halloween Event

10 October 2012 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

It’s been far too long since I’ve visited LEGOLAND Florida, one of my favorite parks in central Florida. I love the low-key, relaxing atmosphere and how there is something adorable or surprising at every turn. The park recently announced a new Star Wars area of their Minilands opening in November 2012 and crafted entirely from 1.5 million LEGO bricks. The interactive area will include scenes and characters from the iconic movie series. The LEGO Star Wars Miniland Cluster will become the eighth interactive area in the park’s Miniland USA, a walk-through, interactive attraction that uses LEGO brick to recreate famous American cities such as Washington DC, New York and San Francisco.

Another reason LEGOLAND Florida is so special is it retained the unique “old Florida” feel of its former resident, Cypress Gardens. I absolutely love seeing the huge trees, waterfalls and other lush landscaping throughout the park. LEGOLAND Florida also keeps the fun going all year long with themed events like the upcoming Brick or Treat Saturdays.

Pirates, witches, dracula and even Mr. Potato Head made appearances at LEGOLAND Florida this weekend during its first kid-friendly Halloween celebration of Brick-or-Treat presented by Wells Fargo. This month-long spooky, kooky event takes place on Saturdays in October from 10am-9pm and Sundays in October from 10am to 5pm.

During Brick-or-Treat, presented by Wells Fargo, Miniland USA has been transformed into a fun, haunted scavenger hunt for the whole family with the invasion of LEGO Monster Fighters and their enemies. With extended hours on Saturdays, Miniland USA gets a bit more spooky when the sun goes down and the fog rolls in on these LEGO cities.

This thrilling family event also features trick-or-treating along the brick-or-treat trail, a kids’ four category costume contest with brick-tastic prizes and a build your own Halloween themed LEGO pumpkin model activity station. Only found at LEGOLAND Florida, families can also check out the world’s largest LEGO Jack-O-Lantern made of 26,500 LEGO bricks and capture a great photo memory.

Activities Include:

LEGO® Pumpkin Build: Build your own LEGO Pumpkin at the model activity station in the Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theatre Plaza
LEGO® Monster Fighters Haunted Scavenger Hunt: Help the LEGO Monster Fighters capture monsters haunting the cities of Miniland USA in this haunted scavenger hunt. The whole family can enjoy searching for these creatures found in the over 30 million LEGO bricks that make up Miniland USA. With extended hours on Saturdays, Miniland USA gets a bit more spooky when the sun goes down and the fog rolls in on these LEGO cities.
Brick-or-Treat Trail: Trick-or-Treat along the Brick-or-Treat trail near the Pirates South Stadium for goodies, tasty treats and other fun surprises
Dance Party: Join us for our spooky Dance Party in the Haunted Miniland USA with a live DJ and dance games (Saturday only)
Kids Costume Contest: Show off your BOO-tiful costumes in the Kids Costume Contest in the Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theatre Plaza to win brick-tastic prizes like LEGO product and tickets to LEGOLAND Florida. Children may enter one of 4 specialized categories: Heroes & Villains, LEGO Monster Fighters, LEGO Themed, and most Creative.

I know this is something my whole family would love as we always have such a great time, even my 13 year-old, who is technically older than the demographic, loves it there. Will you be heading to LEGOLAND Florida for Brick or Treat? You can find more information on tickets and park hours at LEGOLAND.com

Is LEGOLAND Florida Worth the Price of Admission?

17 October 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Being an extreme Disney Parks fan, I set out to the grand opening of LEGOLAND Florida with a pretty critical eye. As much as my 11 year-old daughter is a thrill-ride junkie, we are not really “other theme park people.” And while I am certainly not alone in my Disney devotion, there is much fun and enjoyment to be had at the new LEGOLAND park in Winter Haven, FL. [Click to enlarge all photos below.]

I was invited down to a media preview of the park, as well as the grand opening celebration. Timing and other commitments only allowed me to attend Saturday’s festivities, but I was thrilled to be there opening day and feel the excitement along with other guests. Block-shaped confetti in traditional LEGO primary colors rained down as songs like “Celebrate” and Sting’s “Brand New Day” played in the background. Helpful “model citizens” (park employees) were on hand to assist with tickets at the gate and pass out park maps.

LEGOLAND grand opening — Confetti at the grand opening celebration

The first thing that hit me as I pushed through the turnstile was the harmony of LEGO with the nature of Florida. There were two huge LEGO displays before us, but mature trees flanked them. It instantly put me at ease, given the history of the Cypress Gardens park that first opened as a botanical garden with waterski shows back in 1936. Way before a Mouse had inspired a theme park on either coast, Cypress Gardens was the biggest Florida attraction of its era. I remember going there once or twice as a child and have fond memories of the Southern Belles that adorned the botanical gardens, waving to visitors. While Cypress Gardens was purchased and turned into an “Adventure Park” back in 2004, most of the original charm remained. I am very happy to report that is still the case under LEGOLAND’s ownership.

LEGOLAND rainbow — A LEGO rainbow greets under a canopy of trees you as you enter the park

Because of its history and the grounds themselves, this particular LEGOLAND park is a bit different from the other 4 parks around the world. The kid-themed rides along with the impeccably detailed MiniLands which LEGOLAND is known for are definitely still there but now set in a backdrop of centuries-old Cypress trees, a beautiful lake and the botanical garden area, which was kept with the Cypress Gardens name. Locals and visitors of the original park can still see the awe-inspiring banyan tree within the garden path. For me, it was an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle of the theme park rides, mid-way games and vendors.

The amazing banyan tree from the orignal Cypress Gardens

That is not to say I did not enjoy the rest of the park. I was actually pleasantly surprised at many aspects and details found within the park. Aimed at guests aged 4-12, the rides themselves are smaller and shorter in length but even bigger guests can still get in on the fun. Two adults may not fit comfortably within the Coastersaurus, but you can definitely still ride and enjoy. It is very difficult for me personally to not compare the level of theming to that of a Disney park, but on its own, LEGOLAND did not disappoint and is chock full of delightful details for you to seek out.

Entrance to LEGO Kingdoms where the Dragon Coaster awaits

I most enjoyed the Safari Trek, which is really fun for any age. I’ll be writing about that attraction separately because there are so many fun aspects to it. I also loved Miniland USA, which one could literally spend all day exploring and probably still not find all the details. I think, having seen and now taken photos of Miniland USA, it’s hard to convey their detail and scope in pixels, it must be experienced in person.

Kennedy Space Center LEGO — The Kennedy Space Center portion of LEGOLAND Miniland USA

LEGO Miniland USA — Just a portion of the vast Miniland USA

There is more to the park than roller coasters or attractions where you passively sit and look. There three separate areas full of rides where parents and kids are part of the attraction, making cars move, boats sail and more. There are also several play areas for kids to burn off energy and be a part of a LEGO or DUPLO environment. My three, ages 12, 11, and almost 3, loved every corner of the park. We spent the entire day there and there were still some things we did not get to experience, so we’ll be making a return visit for sure.

DUPLO play area - one part of the vast little kid area

One area of disappointment within the park were the food options. Snack carts only take cash (not sure if this will change in the future) as do the mid-way games, so be prepared and hit an ATM before you arrive. We ended up at the Lakeside Sandwich Co, which actually offered very little in the way of choice and 3 of our group of 6 ended up getting salads, at $7.50 or up for just the salad, which contained nothing special at all, we weren’t too thrilled. Other choices were pre-made and pre-packaged (freshly made on site we were told) wraps (wrapped in foil with no mention of ingredients) and one or two generic sandwich choices. There were other dining options of burgers, chicken and a pizza and pasta buffet which we’ll have to check out next visit. Bottled water and sodas go for $3+ each, so our lunch quickly added up. I’m hoping these options and possibly prices improve in the coming weeks.

Pirate's Cove Waterski Show from the Island in the Sky 150 feet up

That was really my only complaint. Now to answer my own question, is it worth the price of admission ($75 for adults and $65 for kids and seniors)? My answer – yes. It is a steep fee, but if you have kids in the age range, I am confident you will have a day full of entertainment that you won’t regret. If you are a local to the area or visit Florida more than once a year, I think an annual pass is your best value. I honestly wish I’d bought some when they were available for $99. Now at $129 for adults ($99 for children 3-12 and seniors 60+), it’s still the best bang for your buck and you can return again and again to see your favorites or discover something new. At right about an hour away from Walt Disney World, it’s a very doable day trip. The park does close at 5pm but there are some days in upcoming months where they may open an hour or two later. Be sure to check the calendar before you plan your visit. Stay tuned for some more spotlights on my favorite parts of LEGOLAND Florida.

LEGOLAND Florida Helicopter Flyover and Preview Tour

23 March 2011 by Suzannah Otis 4 Comments

Zanna Shelley LEGOLAND helicopter tour — Do we look nervous? About to fly over LEGOLAND Florida!

Local media were treated to a special preview of construction progress at LEGOLAND Florida today. Included in this sneak peak was a helicopter flyover tour of the LEGOLAND Florida theme park – former site of the historical Cypress Gardens. It was my first time up in a helicopter and I must admit I was pretty nervous. Fellow blogger Shelley C. was there with me and we braved this new adventure together – and survived! It was actually totally awesome and I tweeted that I only wanted to travel by helicopter from now on.

During the flyover portion, Todd, our LEGOLAND guide and all-around cool guy gave us all the info on what attractions, rides and experiences were being built for LEGOLAND Florida visitors. The coasters on site are being re-tooled and re-themed with LEGO story lines and several all-new attractions are being built. In addition, the famed “MiniLand” takes center stage, featuring scaled miniature versions of famed cities like New York, Washington DC, Las Vegas, in addition to a special Florida-themed city scape. Adrian Jones, General Manager of LEGOLAND Florida shared that the best part of the MiniLand are the “interactives” or special events which take place at the touch of a button by a guest. In the Las Vegas city-scape, a LEGO couple emerges from a wedding chapel, the dancing waters seen at the Treasure Island are replicated, as well as lights and other fun surprises throughout the MiniLands.

Jones understands that LEGOLAND has a lot to live up to with the past failure of the Cypress Gardens park, even after being re-vamped as an “Adventure Park” with thrill rides. However he is confident that they are up to the task. Jones says they know what they’re doing and they aren’t trying to be everything to everyone. The park is themed to ages 2-12 and they stick to that demographic. Jones joked that they are known for “pink knuckle rides” rather than “white knuckle rides” most theme parks offer. LEGOLAND operates 5 theme parks across the world and they have taken what works best in all the other parks to LEGOLAND Florida, with additional touches never before seen at any LEGOLAND park, including the first wooden roller coaster. Jones notes that money has been allocated for future use and expansion as guest feedback starts coming in. He anticipates the park to be a full-day experience at opening, with expansion extending it to a multi-day park visit.

Another draw to LEGOLAND Florida is the interactive experience parents will enjoy with their children, rather than letting them go on a bunch of kid-based rides as they stand by and watch passively. Jones points out that the quality time parents spend with their children building LEGO at home is transferred to the theme park experience as parents work together with kids on certain rides and attractions, like the Funtown Fire Academy and Driving School.

Something I was happy to see is that LEGOLAND Florida will be preserving the botanical gardens Cypress Gardens was known for, even paying homage with LEGO models of the Cypress Belles that once graced the lush landscapes and gardens. Little LEGO touches will be added throughout the area and Jones says the future might bring some cabanas for kids birthday parties within the gardens as well. There will be a water ski show with a pirate theme which works well with the Florida location.

This is just the tip of the LEGO brick as far as exciting new features at the park. Stay tuned for part 2 of my coverage. Until then, enjoy the photo and video tour of today’s preview as well as highlights of LEGOLAND Florida’s themed areas:

THEMED ZONES:

The Beginning
The Beginning hosts the park entry, ticket and pass sales, the Garden Restaurant and The Big Shop.

The Big Shop – One of the largest retail stores in the world where guests can take advantage of a huge selection of LEGO and LEGOLAND merchandise
The Market – Authentic imported Danishes and freshly baked pastries, espresso, milk, juice, fruit, a selection of yogurts and soft serve ice cream

Fun Town
When guests enter Fun Town, they truly get a sense they’ve entered a LEGO village.

Factory Tour – A firsthand look at how LEGO bricks are made from factory to finish
Studio Store – Visit this store to pick up all your favorite LEGO licensed products, such as Clutch Powers, SpongeBob™, Indiana Jones™, Star Wars™ and Batman™
Granny’s Apple Fries – The park’s signature dessert item made with crisp Granny Smith apples, powdered with cinnamon and sugar and served with a deliciously sweet vanilla cream sauce
Fun Town Theater – Three different 4-D movies will show throughout the day at LEGOLAND’s largest 4-D theater with seats for 700

Miniland USA
The heart of every LEGOLAND Park, Miniland USA will be home to seven specially themed areas:

Florida encompasses the entire state from Mallory Square in Key West to Bok Tower in Central Florida and antebellum mansions in the Panhandle. Miniland Florida also includes an expanded area for Kennedy Space Center and an interactive Daytona International Speedway® racing experience where guests can race LEGO brick cars.
Las Vegas features the world-famous Strip including the Luxor Las Vegas, New York, New York Hotel and Casino, Excalibur, Mirage, Treasure Island, Tropicana, MGM Grand, Venetian, Stratosphere tower and two iconic structures of Paris Las Vegas: the balloon sign and Eiffel Tower. “The Strip” at LEGOLAND also features a miniature wedding chapel, monorails and real-life sounds recorded in Las Vegas.
Washington, D.C. sports faithful re-creations of the White House (including the first family and “first dog”), the U.S. Capitol building, Smithsonian, Washington and Jefferson monuments and parts of Georgetown. An animated marching band parades in front of the Capitol and tiny cherry trees blossom every spring.
New York City features tiny jets of water shooting up from the fountain in Rockefeller Plaza, while an army of animated yellow taxicabs prowls the streets of Times Square. The Statue of Liberty, a cutaway view of Grand Central Station, The Empire State Building, the Guggenheim Museum and the Bronx Zoo are just a few of the iconic landmarks.
A Pirate-themed section hosts a full-on swashbuckling pirate adventure as two opposing pirate ships and their “mates” battle it out upon the high seas.

Castle Hill
Castle Hill takes kids back to medieval times where spells are cast and many knights, damsels and dragons are found.

The Dragon – An indoor/outdoor steel roller coaster that features a spirited and humorous view of life behind the scenes within the enchanted LEGOLAND Castle.
The Royal Joust – Kids ride LEGO-themed horses through a number of medieval scenes where they encounter other riders in a simulated joust.

Land of Adventure
In Land of Adventure, visitors of all ages explore hidden tombs and hunt for treasure.

Coastersaurus – This junior coaster reaches curves and dips in and around a prehistoric jungle of animated and life-sized LEGO brick dinosaurs.
Lost Kingdom Adventure – LEGOLAND Florida’s spectacular dark ride invites guests to fire laser blasters at targets and brave the rugged Egyptian landscape in all-terrain roadsters, while attempting to unearth the vast treasures of a forgotten empire.
Pharaoh’s Revenge – This outdoor attraction lets children and parents fire soft foam balls at enemies and explore the complex maze of the Pharaoh’s kingdom.
Beetle Bounce – Launch 15-feet up toward intricate, brightly jeweled LEGO scarab beetles perched atop two monumental obelisks.
XTreme LEGO TECHNIC® Test Track –Brave guests feel the power of acceleration, braking and maneuverability as they race a life-size LEGO TECHNIC vehicle along a wild roller coaster track.
AQUAZONE® Wave Racers –Riders zip in and out of waves as they dodge water blasters on this dual water carousel ride.

LEGO City
LEGO City is the perfect place for youngsters to live out their dreams in a scaled-down town created just for them.

Fun Town Fire Academy – Families race to put out a “blaze” by piling into a “fire truck” and power it by pumping levers across a paved straightaway. The first family to put out the fire and make it back wins
Driving School – A “real-life” driving experience for children ages 6 through 13, where kids receive their official LEGOLAND driver license.
Junior Driving School – A print-size version driving school course for children ages 3 through 5
Flight School – An inverted steel coaster that lets kids experience the thrill of flight.
The Big Test – This interactive show uses acrobatics, music and playful fun to teach fire safety as the zany crew of Fun Town Fire Department attempts to conquer the “Big Test” to become official firefighters.

Imagination Zone
Imagination Zone emphasizes exploring and creation, while showcasing seven of the most visually exciting LEGO models in the world, including a replica of Albert Einstein’s head.

Game Space – Features 13 game stations where guests can experience LEGO STAR WARS™ and other family friendly games like LEGO INDIANA JONES™, LEGO BATMAN™ and Monsters vs. Aliens all year.
Build & Test – Build a LEGO car and test it against the competition on the digitally timed track.
LEGO MINDSTORMS™ – Build and program cutting-edge, computerized LEGO MINDSTORMS™ robots.
LEGO Clubhouse – Kids and parents stock up on bulk LEGO bricks and Make & Create kits while enjoying ice cream, popcorn, beverages and snacks.
Kid Power Towers – Kids and parents alike hoist themselves up to the top of a tower to get a great view of the entire park and lovely Lake Eloise, and then enjoy a fun “free-fall” to the bottom.

Pirate’s Cove
Pirate’s Cove has been taken over by swashbuckling pirates along the shores of Lake Eloise at LEGOLAND Florida’s very own live-action, water-stunt show.

DUPLO® Village
Duplo Village is ideal for toddlers and their imaginations. Youngsters can fly a plane, drive a car or explore a whole town – designed with their height in mind.